Democracy Under Siege: Don't Let Them Lock It Down!

by Frank Furedi

Democracy Under Siege outlines the long history of anti-democratic thought, explains why hostility to democracy has gained momentum in the current era, and offers a positive affirmation of the principle and the value of democracy.

Frank Furedi examines the frequent claim that democracy is a means to an end rather than an important value in and of itself. The prevalence of this sentiment in the current era is not surprising, given that the normative foundation for democracy is fragile, and there is little cultural valuation for this outlook. Until recently, virtually every serious commentator paid lip-service to democracy. However, in recent times the classical elitist disdain for democracy and for the moral and intellectual capacity of the electorate has acquired a powerful influence over public life.

Genres: Politics, Sociology

164 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 30, 2020

About the author

Frank Furedi is a professor of sociology at the University of Kent, UK.

Reviews

[Vincent Brady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Democracy is under attack from technocratic elites who don’t feel the demos is capable intellectually or morally to make correct decisions. Recent populist electoral successes, Brexit and the election of Trump in the US vindicate this. Elites have decried these electoral catastrophes as fascist. The people who voted for the populists have been derided variously as “ the deplorables”, memorably by Hillary Clinton , xenophobic and racist. The liberal commentariat has despaired of democracy in various articles. Furedi in response to this has defended the democratic process. He feels that technocratic elites in the EU for example rule undemocratically and have lost touch with the demos. Furedi feels more democracy not less is the answer so that people can connect with the democratic process.

[A.J. Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book from professor Furedi. After enduring the past four years of elitist hatred directed toward populists in America this book comes as a breath of fresh air. After having read this book I am now better able to understand what's been going on in the world and why the elites loathe regular people. Shame on them! I have no intention of cooperating in any way with their dystopian technocratic agenda! I want my freedom back! And I want our democratic republic back too!

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

For Furedi Democracy is alternatively a god and a place. And that god / place is somehow in danger. And the reader should do something quick. But that is no excuse to quit working, because Furedi is one of the leeches living off the taxes. So a good plan devised by Furedi:

1. work to pay Furedi's wages and pension plan.
2. get upset about the siege
3. vote a benevolent dictator that will grant the reader all wishes and also generous wage increase to Furedi's caste.

[Diana Alfaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Democracy Under Siege" is a powerful and thought-provoking book that serves as a rallying cry for the defense of democracy in an era of increasing threats and challenges. Malcolm Nance, a respected intelligence analyst and commentator, provides a sobering and comprehensive examination of the forces that seek to undermine democratic institutions and values.